Highway Patrol's 'Slow Down' To Focus On Triangle, Eastern N.C.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol will try to put the brakes on speeders in Operation Slow Down, this time focusing on the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina.

On Aug. 15-21, the troopers will be cracking down on speeders on the interstates and major four lane highways in Raleigh, Durham, Wilson, Smithfield areas and in the Fayetteville, Lumberton, Wilmington, Whiteville, Jacksonville areas.

Speed remains the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatal collisions on the state's highways. Operation Slow Down 2005 is a Patrol initiative that addresses these concerns.

Speeding citations issued by the Patrol have increased dramatically during the past five years. A review by the Highway Patrol shows speeding citations revealed speeding citations in excess of 100 mph have increased 175 percent since 1999 and overall speeding citations have increased 147 percent since 1999.

Troopers will be using helicopters, motorcycles, Camaros, and unmarked patrol vehicles for this campaign.